Do Heat have means for substantial overhaul?

ASK IRA:

MIAMI — Q: There needs to be a substantial overhaul of the Heat roster. Every position needs big improvement. They need to get younger. -- Erikk.

A: The Heat are in no position for substantial overhaul if LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all return. That can't happen. What can happen is the three agree to opt out and then decide what outside players would be worthy of bringing in at a sacrifice of their own salaries. Essentially, it would be the Big Three in a room with Andy Elisburg's calculator trying to make the math work. For Carmelo Anthony, they might sacrifice a bunch. For Luol Deng, perhaps not so much. But there is little realistic possibility of them sacrificing for several smaller pieces. An overhaul would likely mean no more Big Three. James, Wade and Bosh hold all the cards, including how the roster is reshaped. And even then, it still will require efficient and effective veterans at the minimum salary.

Q: I have owned a piece of Heat season tickets since 1990 and have followed the NBA since 1960. This Heat team of the last four years has been a remarkable team. Under incredible scrutiny, LeBron always displayed class and he showed up every night to play, even those mid-winter games in Milwaukee. To make the NBA Finals four years running is an achievement worth remembering. This year the streak ended against an incredible team that was motivated by last year's loss. Given the record for futility of other professional teams in South Florida, we should celebrate this team, the coaching staff and management, and hope that Pat Riley figures out how to evolve to face new challenges next year. -- Bob, North Palm Beach.

A: Well said. And worth saying. It has been exhilarating, exhausting, excruciating, but, ultimately, enjoyable. And it's not as if it's over yet. Eastern Conference champion might not have been the consolation prize sought, but it sure beats those 15-67 seasons.

Q: Am I the only one missing Joel Anthony after watching the terrible defense this season? -- Mike, Weston.